plastic spare Key.

yu · 10-06-2005, 03:06 PM

I saw on one of the pictures that had a spare key on the keychain. I know you put it in your glove compartment for valet or whatever. But my question is everyone suppose to get one? I know I didn't and if I should, I need to have a talk with the dealership.

Broken1 · 10-06-2005, 03:50 PM

With your car you should have recieved two key fobs, a wallet key (like the flat black one) and the empty fob adapter (that you leave in the glovebox and stick the wallet key in - in emergencies)

If you didn't recieve all of them...give your dealer a call.

Xens · 10-06-2005, 04:02 PM

I have that key, it was in the little leather handbook holder.

06graphite · 10-07-2005, 07:12 AM

the plastic key isn't for valets. It for emergency use only, if you forget or lose your regular keys.

How many people are keeping the plastic key in their wallet? It seems a little thick to me...

David328M-Sport · 10-07-2005, 07:29 AM

yes indeed. i received 2 remote controls and a few accessory keys that i cant remember what i have done with them.

in all the years that i have owned bmw, i have only ever used i key and now probably the 1 remote.

i have never had a problem with that. it is certainly advisable to ensure you have all the keys & accessories in your possession for trade in / private sale time.

Broken1 · 10-07-2005, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David325Australia

in all the years that i have owned bmw, i have only ever used i key and now probably the 1 remote.

The only thing I've used a wallet key is to move my mothers car.

When she got her E46, I took the wallet key and every now and then I would move her car - either to the other drive way or turn in around - she never knew what happened and was always soo confused!!!

It was funny!

davinet78 · 10-07-2005, 08:07 AM

everyone is supposed to have one

timlang · 10-07-2005, 10:45 AM

The manual does actually mention something about using the "spare" key for valets, rather than just leaving your keyfob in... seems like a big pain though, to have to turn off the car and swap keys before you could hand off to the valet (and the same deal when you get it back from the valet). I guess this is so that if the valet (or whomever) changes the seat/mirror positions or something that it doesn't save them to your keyfob?

RyBMW · 10-07-2005, 11:50 AM

The wallet key ony unlocks the door. It doesn't unlock the glovebox or the trunk. You can lock the trunk release with a switch in the glovebox. You lock the glovebox with the 2 keys that are attached to the 2 remotes. When you valet your E90, you put the wallet key into the empty fob adapter.

CnoteMD · 10-07-2005, 03:14 PM

I was under the impression that the little plastic key was only for emergencies. I read somewhere that when using a valet, you should set the trunk (inside the glove compartment) to lock, then lock the glove compartment. You then remove the metal key from the keyfob before handing it over to the valet. Now they can start the car and open the door, but they can't open your trunk or glove compartment.

Michael

Scott Carpenter · 10-07-2005, 03:33 PM

the plastic key is for emergencies only. If you lock your keys in your car and you don't have it you have to wait two days for a new key

325 Baller · 10-07-2005, 03:43 PM

correct me if i am wrong, but that key in the picture is from the comfort access key right? or is it the standard key?

Broken1 · 10-07-2005, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 325 Baller

correct me if i am wrong, but that key in the picture is from the comfort access key right? or is it the standard key?

How could you tell the difference. They look exactly the same except for the battery cover on the underside.

(You can't see the underside of the key in the picture)

325 Baller · 10-07-2005, 04:02 PM

ooo my bad, i thouhgt the key would look like the 5 series key, i guess i ddnt know what i was talking about, my bad.

RyBMW · 10-09-2005, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CnoteMD

I was under the impression that the little plastic key was only for emergencies. I read somewhere that when using a valet, you should set the trunk (inside the glove compartment) to lock, then lock the glove compartment. You then remove the metal key from the keyfob before handing it over to the valet. Now they can start the car and open the door, but they can't open your trunk or glove compartment.

Michael

What is the empty fob adapter for than?
It's explained in the manual.

LEDZEP · 10-09-2005, 06:06 AM

The black plastic key is for emergencies only. It will unlock the doors and trunk and when placed in the plastic key holder in the glove box, will allow you to start the car. This key should not be kept in the car and should never be given to valets. It is not intended for frequent use and will wear out or break if you do so.

You are supposed to give the valet your key fob, after removing the metal key from it (which you keep). You can prevent trunk openings using the locking button in the glove box and then lock the glove box with the metal key. Then the valet can use your fob only to unlock the doors and start the car.

ihavedrivenanm1 · 10-11-2005, 12:10 AM

No one has yet gotten the answer completely correct. The black plastic key is for both emergencies and valets.

[1] You [the owner] keep the black plastic key in your wallet, etc.

In an emergency this key can be used to open the driver’s door [the only door with a key hole on cars with CA]. In order to start the car the plastic key must be inserted into the empty fob in the glove box, and then inserted into the ignition.

[2] To valet park your car you [the owner] put the plastic key in the empty fob in the glove box. You also flip the valet switch in the glove box and then lock it which prevents the glove box and trunk from being opened with anything other than one of the two full fob remotes which you keep with you.

The valet can then only use the plastic key in the hollow fob to start and stop the car.

Jongi · 10-11-2005, 03:40 AM

Have some posts beeen lost in this thread?

Broken1 · 10-11-2005, 05:00 AM

I think so...
At least those of us who were following know the secret behind the keys :Evil laugh:

Jongi · 10-11-2005, 07:11 AM

So I used my wallet key today. Interestingly it reset radio stations, the temperature unit measure, 24 hour clock format, and had the temperature set at 72 degrees Fahrenheit. And everything was in German. At least those were the evident changes

Wonder what will happen when I put in my normal fob.

nyc3r · 07-18-2006, 12:27 PM

I can't find my spare key or empty fob for it. I checked my glovebox and it's not there. only thing I found was the flashlight.

KL2DC · 07-18-2006, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nyc3r

I can't find my spare key or empty fob for it. I checked my glovebox and it's not there. only thing I found was the flashlight.

You best check with your dealer ASAP...

As others have mentioned, you should get (unless more is requested) 2 full key fobs (2 metal key in 2 fobs), 1 plastic key and 1 plastic empty fob.

Speaking of plastic key, not sure where mine is, gonna check when I get home. There is no way that key is going in my wallet...its too fat and too long. I am sure not many of you keep this key in your wallets as well

10-06-2005, 03:06 PM	#1
yu Captain 103 Rep 757 Posts Drives: E90 325i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: VA iTrader: (3)	plastic spare Key. I saw on one of the pictures that had a spare key on the keychain. I know you put it in your glove compartment for valet or whatever. But my question is everyone suppose to get one? I know I didn't and if I should, I need to have a talk with the dealership.
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10-06-2005, 03:50 PM	#2
Broken1 Addict 203 Rep 2,074 Posts Drives: 2024 X5 40i M-Sport Join Date: May 2005 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	With your car you should have recieved two key fobs, a wallet key (like the flat black one) and the empty fob adapter (that you leave in the glovebox and stick the wallet key in - in emergencies) If you didn't recieve all of them...give your dealer a call.
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10-06-2005, 04:02 PM	#3
Xens Eh 108 Rep 653 Posts Drives: Is Turbo'd Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	I have that key, it was in the little leather handbook holder.
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10-07-2005, 07:12 AM	#4
06graphite Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 226 Posts Drives: '07 328xi Coupe Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Plainville, MA iTrader: (0)	the plastic key isn't for valets. It for emergency use only, if you forget or lose your regular keys. How many people are keeping the plastic key in their wallet? It seems a little thick to me...
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10-07-2005, 07:29 AM	#5
David328M-Sport Brigadier General 101 Rep 3,566 Posts Drives: F30 M-Sport 328i Estoril Blue Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Melbourne Australia iTrader: (0)	yes indeed. i received 2 remote controls and a few accessory keys that i cant remember what i have done with them. in all the years that i have owned bmw, i have only ever used i key and now probably the 1 remote. i have never had a problem with that. it is certainly advisable to ensure you have all the keys & accessories in your possession for trade in / private sale time. __________________ 328i M-Sport, Estoril Blue, Carbon XP 35 Tint, front heated seats, black Dakota, Sports Suspension, Anthracite Headliner, HUD, Pro Nav, Sunroof, hk 600w, Bi-Xenon, 19" 403M wheels, Reversing Camera, DAB+, Xenon, BT Ext Connect, MST turbo intake pipe, MST Cold Air Intake, JB4 on Map 2 with Catless DP produces awesome performance in Sport.
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10-07-2005, 08:07 AM	#7
davinet78 Lieutenant Colonel 28 Rep 1,832 Posts Drives: bmw e90 320d Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: gibraltar(europe) iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 bmw 320d E90 [0.00]	everyone is supposed to have one __________________ e90 320d,arktis,lumber support, hifi speaker, alarm, dakota beige, 162 18", xenon with washer spray,window chrome trimmings, professional radio, 6 cd changer wood trimmings 6 speed manual.
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10-07-2005, 10:45 AM	#8
timlang Private First Class 4 Rep 114 Posts Drives: 2018 330i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Vancouver, BC iTrader: (0)	The manual does actually mention something about using the "spare" key for valets, rather than just leaving your keyfob in... seems like a big pain though, to have to turn off the car and swap keys before you could hand off to the valet (and the same deal when you get it back from the valet). I guess this is so that if the valet (or whomever) changes the seat/mirror positions or something that it doesn't save them to your keyfob? __________________ 18' 330i xDrive M Sport Edition II - Mineral Gray/Black (Canadian Model 'eh!) 14', 13', 11' & 08' 328i xDrive - Mineral Gray/Black, Steptronic, PP, Nav (Canadian) 06' 325i - Sparkling Graphite/Black/Burl, Steptronic, PP (Canadian)
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10-07-2005, 11:50 AM	#9
RyBMW Major 78 Rep 1,038 Posts Drives: X5 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: NYC iTrader: (1) Garage List 2012 BMW X5 [0.00] 2008 335i [0.00]	The wallet key ony unlocks the door. It doesn't unlock the glovebox or the trunk. You can lock the trunk release with a switch in the glovebox. You lock the glovebox with the 2 keys that are attached to the 2 remotes. When you valet your E90, you put the wallet key into the empty fob adapter.
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10-07-2005, 03:14 PM	#10
CnoteMD Commander in Chief 37 Rep 1,034 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 535i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 M5 [0.00] 2006 330i [0.00]	I was under the impression that the little plastic key was only for emergencies. I read somewhere that when using a valet, you should set the trunk (inside the glove compartment) to lock, then lock the glove compartment. You then remove the metal key from the keyfob before handing it over to the valet. Now they can start the car and open the door, but they can't open your trunk or glove compartment. Michael __________________ 2008 BMW 535i Space Gray, Black Leather, Dark Bamboo Trim\| Sport Automatic with Paddles \| Sport Package 2008 BMW M5 (gone, but not forgotten) Space Gray, Silverstone Merino Leather, Madeira Walnut Wood Trim \| 7speed SMG \| All options Mods: Corsa Exhaust \| RPI Ram Air Intake \| H&R Sport Springs \| Rogue Engineering 12mm spacers
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10-07-2005, 03:33 PM	#11
Scott Carpenter BMW Employee 11 Rep 134 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 325i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Ft Lauderdale iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 BMW 325I [0.00] 2003 Cadillac Escalade [0.00]	the plastic key is for emergencies only. If you lock your keys in your car and you don't have it you have to wait two days for a new key
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10-07-2005, 03:43 PM	#12
325 Baller Colonel 264 Rep 2,576 Posts Drives: X3 28i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Boca Raton, Florida iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	correct me if i am wrong, but that key in the picture is from the comfort access key right? or is it the standard key?
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10-07-2005, 04:02 PM	#14
325 Baller Colonel 264 Rep 2,576 Posts Drives: X3 28i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Boca Raton, Florida iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	ooo my bad, i thouhgt the key would look like the 5 series key, i guess i ddnt know what i was talking about, my bad.
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10-09-2005, 06:06 AM	#16
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 418 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	The black plastic key is for emergencies only. It will unlock the doors and trunk and when placed in the plastic key holder in the glove box, will allow you to start the car. This key should not be kept in the car and should never be given to valets. It is not intended for frequent use and will wear out or break if you do so. You are supposed to give the valet your key fob, after removing the metal key from it (which you keep). You can prevent trunk openings using the locking button in the glove box and then lock the glove box with the metal key. Then the valet can use your fob only to unlock the doors and start the car. __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
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10-11-2005, 12:10 AM	#17
ihavedrivenanm1 Private First Class 14 Rep 194 Posts Drives: ['02 e46] '06 e90 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: California/Florida iTrader: (0)	No one has yet gotten the answer completely correct. The black plastic key is for both emergencies and valets. [1] You [the owner] keep the black plastic key in your wallet, etc. In an emergency this key can be used to open the driver’s door [the only door with a key hole on cars with CA]. In order to start the car the plastic key must be inserted into the empty fob in the glove box, and then inserted into the ignition. [2] To valet park your car you [the owner] put the plastic key in the empty fob in the glove box. You also flip the valet switch in the glove box and then lock it which prevents the glove box and trunk from being opened with anything other than one of the two full fob remotes which you keep with you. The valet can then only use the plastic key in the hollow fob to start and stop the car.
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10-11-2005, 03:40 AM	#18
Jongi Private First Class 6 Rep 109 Posts Drives: 320i w/Exclusive Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Johannesburg, South Africa iTrader: (0)	Have some posts beeen lost in this thread?
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10-11-2005, 05:00 AM	#19
Broken1 Addict 203 Rep 2,074 Posts Drives: 2024 X5 40i M-Sport Join Date: May 2005 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	I think so... At least those of us who were following know the secret behind the keys :Evil laugh:
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10-11-2005, 07:11 AM	#20
Jongi Private First Class 6 Rep 109 Posts Drives: 320i w/Exclusive Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Johannesburg, South Africa iTrader: (0)	So I used my wallet key today. Interestingly it reset radio stations, the temperature unit measure, 24 hour clock format, and had the temperature set at 72 degrees Fahrenheit. And everything was in German. At least those were the evident changes Wonder what will happen when I put in my normal fob.
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07-18-2006, 12:27 PM	#21
nyc3r Colonel 112 Rep 2,589 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: USA iTrader: (24)	I can't find my spare key or empty fob for it. I checked my glovebox and it's not there. only thing I found was the flashlight.
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